Despite ongoing engagement with student leaders to resolve the issues that sparked the disruptions since early in February, the protest action continued and left the University no choice but to approach the Pretoria High Court for an urgent Court Order to prevent any party/parties from, among others, disrupting the academic activities or other operations of the University, inciting violence and unrest or participating in protest or protest marches at any of its campuses. The court order was awarded this morning, 5 March.
In its engagement with student leaders, TUT Management has continuously emphasised the importance of the academic project continuing without disruption and to have students in class. “Losing lecturing time could have a very negative impact on student progress and student success rates. Where needed, the University will assist students to catch up lost time, among others by extending library hours,” said Prof Stanley Mukhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology.
He added that the final deadline for 2020 registrations will be extended to 10 March to accommodate the two days that were lost when academic activities were suspended at all campuses last week.